Introduction
The book Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Virkler is an example of a theoretical model for explaining the texts of the Holy Bible and a unique work that combines practical approaches to the interpretation of the Sacred Scripture. Professor Virkler is an employee of Palm Beach Atlantic University and has been working in the field of psychology for many years. In addition to Hermeneutics, he is the author of several other books devoted to the analysis of the critical ways of thinking based on the Christian ideology. Accordingly, Professor Virkler is a competent specialist in this area, and the depth of his research allows assessing the variability of the assessment of the Bible as a document that is rich in symbols, allegories, and subtexts.
The key objective of the book under analysis is to convey the essence of hermeneutics in relation to interpreting the Bible as the main text of Christians around the world through scientific assessment principles and relevant research concepts. Virkler defines this scholarly concept and explains how the general and special principles of hermeneutics differ in the context of the topic in question (4). Moreover, as a valuable addition, the author describes common mistakes that individual scholars may make when interpreting the Bible and suggests specific ways to prevent them (Virkler 24). In general, Virkler has two main objectives: to describe the contexts in which God’s Word can be analyzed and interpret individual elements of the content through the use of practical assessment tools. As a result, Hermeneutics is rich in semantic interpretations and reveals unique techniques to readers, which reflect the biblical aspects from the perspective of a modern person.
The unique comments of the Bible are based on the use of tools that explain individual conclusions. Virkler offers study aids and approaches that help find the optimal mechanisms for interpreting and substantiating individual concepts found in the research process (30). In addition, the structure of the book is built in such a way that readers approach certain aspects of the analysis gradually, which, in turn, increases the credibility of the work done and allows delving deeper into the basis of interpretations. Literary references and other complementary substantiation methods strengthen the evidence base and reinforce the ideas suggested by Virkler. As a result, Hermeneutics has a complex and academically deep content with an extensive theoretical basis. The premise for writing the book and the author’s conclusions make it possible to reconsider traditional views on the Bible as a set of religious rules and recommendations and distinguish Hermeneutics from many other works with superficial and subjective evaluations.
Premise for Writing
The premise for writing is presented in detail, and the individual goals of the book are reflected in accordance with the analysis of the relevance of the research process. Virkler provides a series of arguments explaining his intentions and describes the reasons that motivated him to work on Hermeneutics (11). In particular, the author notes that one of his main tasks is to not only present methods and options for interpreting the Bible but also show them to the public so that every reader could use them freely for a personal analysis of God’s Word (Virkler 12). At the same time, Virkler evaluates his attempts to research this area critically because, according to him, this field does not concern his immediate area of ​​competence directly and affects both psychology and theology (12). However, despite his doubts, the author is convinced that his book is useful to the public pursuing distinctive goals and studying God’s Word both as ordinary readers and as specialists in specific fields (Virkler 12). This confirms the fact that the premise for writing is conveyed clearly and unambiguously and helps understand the purpose of the research conducted.
Additional justifications for the relevance of the book are presented in the description of the key research subject and its relationship with aspects of Bible study. Virkler argues that the canonicity of hermeneutics is not static, which allows one to interpret individual nuances variably and prove the corresponding assumptions conceptually based on the available tools (16). In particular, the author remarks that, from the standpoint of subjective perception, God’s Word may be taken critically, which, in turn, contributes to evaluating individual topics differently, and the examples of the Old and New Testaments are given as justifications (Virkler 17). In addition, modern terms and concepts are used to compare the traditional and canonical provisions of the Bible with current political and social movements, for instance, liberalism or humanism (Virkler 17). Accordingly, due to such a theoretical background, the rationale for writing the book is credible.
Finally, when proving the relevance of the premise for writing Hermeneutics, one can pay attention to the need to bring corresponding approaches to the interpretation of the Bible. As Virkler notes, reading God’s Word can induce the spontaneous analysis of particular aspects and topics raised (19). Such an outcome, in turn, may be a consequence of subjectivity and inexperience in relation to the interpretation of relevant sections and provisions of the Bible. The use of hermeneutics as a rational concept allows one to systematize the information received and draw appropriate conclusions based on a theoretical assessment rather than personal perception, which is one of the strengths of such a scholarly approach (Virkler 19). While summarizing the aforementioned justifications, Virkler’s premise for writing Hermeneutics is solid and objective and helps understand all the objectives of the research work.
Author’s Thoroughness of the Research
The review of the book in question allows concluding that the thoroughness of the author’s research is deep and contributes to understanding the issues raised. Firstly, Virkler uses a large number of references to credible academic sources, which is a significant basis in support of the value of the work done. For instance, in the section of the cultural context, the author utilizes the findings of other researchers to interpret his personal ideas with an emphasis on understandable phenomena and concepts (Virkler 37). Secondly, the depth of the study of the Bible as a primary source is evident due to excerpts from God’s Word and the use of additional Sacred Scriptures. Virkler notes that for the analysis of the necessary ideas, the choice of a specific text plays a big role since there is a variety of canonical works that are positioned as basic by different branches of Christianity (31). This means that during the writing process, a wide range of literature was studied, and numerous differences were singled out to eliminate bias and be guided by objective findings. Applying this practice allows talking about the thoroughness of the research.
Despite the detailed work on Hermeneutics, some sections, nevertheless, deserve a more critical evaluation. In particular, when Virkler analyzes the positions and thoughts from the Old and New Testaments, he does not offer much information for comparison, which is a potential limitation (41). Since the Bible is the primary source in the study, the analysis of this text is key and should be as deep as possible to offer the desired tools for its interpretation. However, although the author utilizes a wide bibliographic base, references to the most significant parts of the Bible seem insufficient (Virkler 43). For instance, short fragments of dialogues are given, which helps convey a specific essence, but, at the same time, does not contribute to understanding the problem in detail. This limitation is not critical or extremely crude, but if this section were addressed with more extensive analytical considerations, the reasonableness of the study would be higher. Regarding controversial opinions, one can note Virkler’s idea about revelation and “a personal existential response” since this assumption contradicts with the background of the biblical message (71). Nevertheless, the general context of the narrative is reasoned and justified.
Given the complexity of the work done, the thoroughness of the research can be judged as high, despite minor gaps. Virkler uses rationale, alternative views, and criticism to evaluate his ideas and hypotheses, for instance, when he describes the application of biblical messages, interpreting them from a transcultural perspective (194). As a result, Hermeneutics is a book that contains a complex and, at the same time, a detailed process of immersion in the nature of the Bible and its essence from the perspective of an outside observer. Thus, the value of the research is high, and the credibility of the work is proven.
Impacts of the Author’s Research
The book under consideration has opened for me many aspects of theological research, which can be carried out not through the unique concepts and doctrines of this area but through the generally accepted principles of analysis and interpretation. Several individual nuances have revealed to me the essence of the study and the ideas of the key hypotheses put forward by the author. One of the truths that Virkler represents and that has become a discovery for me is the very definition of hermeneutics as a science: “the word hermeneutics is said to have had its origin in the name Hermes, the Greek god who served as messenger for the gods” (15). This explanation is logical and, at the same time, unique since the mythological creature is a symbol of a scholarly discipline. Regarding the very essence of the research, Virkler’s assessment of the existing theoretical background is significant, and the analysis of the schools of interpretation is an aspect that seemed to me large-scale in terms of its coverage (47). Therefore, Hermeneutics has prompted me to pay particular attention to the assessment of theological concepts and methods of their analysis.
Another nuance that has made me reconsider my views on hermeneutics as a scholarly discipline is the author’s analysis of literary forms used for interpretation. For instance, constant references to fruit wines and rich grapes are direct metaphors, and Virkler makes these arguments, which is reasonable and logical (145). Earlier, I did not think that such literary tools could be applied to the interpretation of the Bible, and this innovation has surprised me. At the same time, some of the author’s statements are controversial, and it is hard for me to agree with them: for instance, Virkler argues that syntax is a crucial aspect of the analysis of God’s Word since individual phrases may be interpreted ambiguously (110). However, in my opinion, a native speaker can understand the essence of the text without difficulty if he or she possesses the necessary reading and understanding skills, and challenges can arise only for those who read the Bible in a foreign language. Nevertheless, the author’s statement can be interpreted rather as a warning than as a rule, which justifies his position. Therefore, in general, the book made a strong impression on me.
Conclusion
The book Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Virkler is a significant work of the 20th century in the field of theology and practical psychology, which allows analyzing God’s Word from the perspective of current concepts and substantiating certain aspects of the sacred scripture based on modern doctrines and research tools. This book deserves the attention of both those who are interested in studying the Bible in the deepest sense and those who want to gain new knowledge about how this book may be interpreted from different standpoints. Virkler’s research can be applied as an auxiliary tool, and in my case, it has become an important component in understanding the class content and the essence of alternative interpretation methods in general. The book may be utilized as a useful reference resource and a source in which many relevant ideas of modern authors are compiled.
Works Cited
Virkler, Henry A. Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation. Baker Books, 1981.